Book: Top Shelf by R.A. Smyth
Reviewed by Booksbystarlightandshadows
Rating: 4/5
I am really enjoying these connected standalones; Wren was introduced in Dylan's book and both are women working in a predominantly male industry. Dylan had to deal with sexism but in Wren's case its nepotism on top of dealing with trauma from her past.
I thought the whole nepotism plotline was a good twist; Wren did in fact get the job because her father pulled strings, but it wasn't what she (or he) initially wanted. I liked how Wren discovered that she was not only good at it, but genuinely enjoyed it. Her parents are pretty grim, but I found the whole conflict of Wren not wanting to fully pursue her dream as it what her parents also want really interesting, as well as the growth that went along with it, rather than this just focusing on Wren uncovering who hurt her. Ronan has similarly controlling parents but goes in the opposite direction; he was probably my favourite of the MMCs and I liked the parallels between their situation. This isn't one of those why chooses with a funny one, the muscle and the alpha. Instead, they all feel like rounded characters with Lucien and Silas also having similarities with Wren's past.
I loved seeing Dylan again too - I love a crossover!
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read